Call Number:

2003.014

Repository:

Old York Road Historical Society

Extent:

1.5 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1839-2004 (inclusive)

Creator:

Jenkinstown Lyceum.

Abstract:

The Jenkinstown Lyceum (also known as Jenkins Town Lyceum) was established 1839 and erected a hall for its meetings on land donated by Mary Jenkins Ross. The Jenkinstown Lyceum records, 1839-2004, consist of minute books, financial records, histories on the Lyceum, and files belonging to various presidents of the group.

The Jenkinstown Lyceum (also named Jenkins Town Lyceum, JenkinsTown Lyceum) was established 1839 and erected a hall for its meetings on land donated by Mary Jenkins Ross. According to various accounts, disputes among its members over Abolitionism led to the eventual cessation of activities. In 1895 the Lyceum revived, selling its building to the Abington Library Society in 1909. With the sale proceeds and other assets, it has continued to meet semi-annually for dinner and a lecture, and it makes contributions to several Jenkintown organizations.

The Jenkintown Lyceum Association is a separate organization.

The Jenkinstown Lyceum records, 1839-2004, consist of minute books, financial records, histories on the Lyceum, and files belonging to various presidents of the group. The Jenkintown Lyceum Association, for which there are treasurer's books and programs from 1876 to 1896, is a separate organization. An embosser and medals are also associated with this collection.

Following is an inventory of the collection:

Box 1 Minutebook, with transcription, 1839-1867, 1871, 1895-1908 1839-1960: appointments for recitals, requests for speakers, finances, Mary Ross Eulogy (1846), debate topics election of members and officers. May 31, 1860 two resolutions were passed "that no lecture on abolitionism nor agitation of the slavery question be permitted before the Lyceum Society or in the Lyceum Hall” and “no exhibition of minstrlsy [sic] or of dancing be permitted in the Lyceum Hall." 1861-1867, 1871: entries are very sparse. 1895-1908: elected members and officers, member deaths, financial reports, lecture topics, status of hall lease and sale. Constitutions, By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, compiled membership list. Biographical notes on individuals mentioned in early records. Minutebooks, 1908-1924, 1927-1990 (3 volumes): Spring and Fall (annual) business meetings consisting of financial reports, elected members and officers, annual contributions (to Jenkintown Library, Week-Day Bible School, Jenkintown Day Nursery, and later, Old York Road Historical Society), followed by evenings' lectures. Earlier minutes mention sale of building, centennial history publication, and occasionally have transcripts or clippings on addresses that are frequently historical in nature. After 1948, the lectures are reported on in differing detail. These begin with talks often on travels, later ones are by speakers from area organizations (Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia and Suburban Water Company, Norman Rockwell Museum, Waste Management of North America), and some professional entertainers (Scoop & Flash Enterprises, Living History Heroines). Presidents of the Lyceum were: Howard Fleck, 1896-1948, A. J. Miller, Jr., 1948-1966; Arthur H. Jenkins, 1966-1973; Donald A. Gallagher, 1973-1984; Ruth Carnwath, 1984-1987; Donald Walton, 1987-. Other active members included Abram Clemmer, Florence Ridpath, and Horace M. Lippincott.

Box 2 Histories on Lyceum and Lyceum Hall; also Constitution, By-Laws, Act of Incorporation Minute book, 1839-1908, transcriptions Material relating to sale of building and other miscellaneous Miscellaneous addresses and prize essays, 1906-1939, 1977 Material for Centennial history Blank Certificates

Box 3 Presidents’ Files: Ruth W. Carnwath, 1983-1986, and Donald Walton, 1987-1999, includes minutes, financial reports and other papers relating to semi-annual meetings; additional meeting minutes and agendas, 1999-2004; also, membership lists, letters and biographical information of members; correspondence concerning non-profit status, 1985.

Box 4 Financial Papers, including Cashbook, 1933-1979, Check stub book, 1966-1985, Treasurer’s reports, 1966-2004, investment fund statements, 1996-1999, and other miscellaneous material.